Monday, September 7, 2026
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Monday, September 7

Good news, worth watching.

Stories of hope, kindness, resilience and progress — each one carrying a video, and each read through the science of wellbeing.

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ConnectionNice News

A Complete Guide to Starting Your Own Book Club (Plus a Sample Reading List)

In a world where the importance of community and personal connections is increasingly recognized, the article provides a practical guide to starting a book club, a venture that promises both intellectual enrichment and social engagement. With the rise in reading habits, as reported by Everand's 2026 State of Reading Report, book clubs are experiencing a renaissance, offering a shared space for discovery and discussion. The article outlines various formats and themes for book clubs, from silent reading sessions to genre-specific gatherings, encouraging individuals to tailor their clubs to their interests and logistical needs.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Neuroscientist debunks the idea that living in the past is bad. It’s great for mental health.

In a culture often fixated on progress and forward-thinking, the notion that older individuals can benefit from reminiscing about the past offers a refreshing counter-narrative. Neuroscientist Dr. David Merrill highlights the surprising mental health benefits of reminiscence therapy, which can enhance memory, self-esteem, and social connections among older adults. By engaging with past experiences through all five senses—listening to favorite music, cooking cherished meals, or simply looking at old photographs—individuals can unlock forgotten memories and find joy in shared storytelling.

  • Gratitude
  • Curiosity
  • Love
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Nazis demanded to know if ‘The Hobbit’ author J.R.R. Tolkien was Jewish. His response was legendary.

In a time when oppressive regimes sought to erase cultures and impose rigid ideologies, J.R.R. Tolkien's response to a German publisher's inquiry about his racial heritage stands as a testament to the power of words and intellect over tyranny. Faced with the Nazi demand to prove his Aryan descent for the publication of 'The Hobbit' in Germany, Tolkien crafted a letter that deftly dismantled the racist assumptions of his inquirers. Rather than simply rebuffing the question, he used his philological expertise to highlight the absurdity of the Nazi racial doctrine, expressing regret that he had no Jewish ancestry and questioning the propriety of such inquiries.

  • Courage
  • Perspective
  • Love
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

One simple word makes children 30 percent more likely to cooperate. It works on adults, too.

In a world where communication often feels like a cacophony of demands and misunderstandings, Jonah Berger's insights offer a refreshing whisper of simplicity and efficacy. His research, highlighted in a Stanford University study, reveals that reframing requests to align with personal identity can significantly boost cooperation. By asking children to 'be helpers' rather than just help, the act of cleaning becomes a badge of identity, increasing their willingness by 30%. This subtle shift from action to identity taps into a universal human desire: to be seen positively and belong to a community of helpers, leaders, and innovators.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

The ‘Secular Buddhist’ shares 2 practices to soothe everyday anxiety and aggravation

In a world often characterized by stress and unpredictability, Noah Rasheta, a podcaster and author, offers a fresh perspective through 'Secular Buddhism.' Having distanced himself from the religious doctrines of his past, Rasheta advocates for a practical application of Buddhist principles without the need for spiritual affiliation. His approach centers on two key practices: affect labeling and expanding perspective. By encouraging individuals to observe their emotions and recognize the gap between experience and awareness, Rasheta provides a tool for managing anxiety that fosters a deeper understanding of one’s emotional landscape.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

A carjacker stole an SUV with two kids inside. He didn’t count on the 8-year-old girl in the backseat.

In a gripping tale of quick thinking and bravery, an 8-year-old girl named Charley managed to thwart a carjacking in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. While her father, Adam Jorgenson, was distracted by an accomplice, a carjacker took off with Charley and her 2-year-old sister, Autumn, in the backseat. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Charley negotiated with the thief about her sister’s safety and, once the car stopped, used her father's phone to call for help, allowing her parents to track their location and ensuring a swift reunion.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
YouTube
GrowthNice News

How to Do Your Own Online Health Research Like a Scientist: A Biostatistician’s Step‑by‑Step Guide

Lucy McGowan, a biostatistician, provides a detailed guide for individuals aiming to conduct their own online health research with the rigor of a scientist. She outlines a methodical approach, beginning with framing the research question clearly by identifying the exposure, outcome, population, and time frame. This structured approach helps in navigating the overwhelming abundance of information available online and ensures that the studies referenced are relevant and reliable.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Psychologist shares the 1 change couples who secretly resent each other must make

In the intricate dance of romantic relationships, scorekeeping — the habit of tracking favors and expecting immediate reciprocity — can be a silent killer. This transactional mindset, akin to balancing a ledger, often leads to resentment and dissatisfaction, as highlighted by a 13-year study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. Healthy couples, by contrast, naturally evolve beyond this tit-for-tat mentality, embracing a more collaborative approach, where acts of love and support are given freely, fostering a deeper connection.

  • Gratitude
  • Perspective
  • Kindness
YouTube
HopeUpworthy

Space-loving botanist wondered if Martian soil is fertile, so he recreated it and planted seeds

Wieger Wamelink's ambitious experiment may sound like something from a science fiction story, but it's a tangible step towards understanding the potential for life beyond Earth. By recreating Martian soil using volcanic rock from Earth, Wamelink and his team embarked on a journey to test whether this harsh environment could sustain plant life. Their efforts, which initially resulted in germination but not sustainable growth, evolved as they introduced organic materials like manure and earthworms to enhance the soil's fertility. This endeavor culminated in the successful cultivation of several crops, including kale and lettuce, that were not only viable but also nutritious and flavorful.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
YouTube
HopeUpworthy

33-year-old former child prodigy is working on problems Hawking and Einstein never cracked

Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski, a former child prodigy, is not only living up to her early promise but is also tackling some of the most profound challenges in theoretical physics. Known as the 'Next Einstein,' she is working on unifying quantum mechanics and general relativity—a feat that eluded even the greatest minds like Hawking and Einstein. Her approach, involving 'celestial holography,' suggests that the universe's information could be encoded onto a 2D plane, potentially simplifying and unifying the two major theories of physics.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Hope
TikTok
ResilienceUpworthy

Man’s 2-minute rant on why we should ‘fear,’ not pity, single moms is hysterically spot on

Eros Brousson's viral rant on single mothers flips the script on societal perceptions, spotlighting their formidable resilience rather than seeking pity. With humor and insight, Brousson paints a vivid picture of single mothers as powerful figures who juggle child-rearing, work, and self-care without the luxury of support or rest. His comedic yet poignant portrayal resonates with countless single mothers, who feel seen and validated by his depiction of their daily lives.

  • Courage
  • Perspective
  • Kindness
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Communications expert shares the number one small talk mistake people make and how to fix it

In the world of small talk, a seemingly benign mistake can turn potentially meaningful exchanges into missed opportunities. Jefferson Fisher, a communication expert with a massive following, identifies the tendency to turn conversations back to ourselves too quickly as the number one small talk blunder. This behavior, while often well-intentioned as a means to relate, can inadvertently hijack the conversation and make others feel unimportant. Instead, Fisher advocates for a more attentive approach by asking open-ended questions, thereby making people feel seen and heard.

  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
  • Perspective
TikTok
ConnectionGood News Network

Neighbors Get Swept Up in Man’s Viral Journey to Clean a NYC Street Block Every Day for 100 Days

In a neighborhood where litter once reigned supreme, David's initiative to clean a single NYC block every day for 100 days has sparked a remarkable community transformation. His journey began with simple tools—a grabber stick and trash bags—and a viral TikTok account, @trashtalk_nyc, that captured the imagination of many. The project not only highlighted the potential for individual action to inspire collective change but also revealed a community eager to rally behind a cause. As David and his neighbors cleaned, they also beautified, planting flowers and creating small green spaces that urged passersby to respect and preserve their environment.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
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From the Research Desk

The science behind the good

The finding1 of 5

Kursk residents' life quality is moderately impacted by healthcare system satisfaction.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Problemy sotsial'noi gigieny, zdravookhraneniia i istorii meditsiny

[THE SUBJECTIVE ESTIMATES OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF URBAN POPULATION OF PROVINCIAL REGION THROUGH THE PRISM OF SATISFACTION OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEM].

  • Meaning
  • Accomplishment

This study explores how the quality of healthcare systems influences the subjective quality of life for residents in the city of Kursk, Russia. The researchers conducted a survey to understand how people's perceptions of their well-being and life quality are linked to their satisfaction with healthcare services. The findings indicate that inadequacies in healthcare infrastructure and personnel negatively impact residents' quality of life.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Climate change anxiety is linked to more severe PMS symptoms in young women.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology

Investigating the association between climate change anxiety and premenstrual syndrome severity among young women: a cross-sectional study.

  • Resilience
  • Mindfulness

This study explores an intriguing intersection between environmental concerns and women's health by examining how anxiety about climate change might relate to the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in young women. Conducted among 1,035 young women in Türkiye, the research found a notable link between higher levels of climate change anxiety and increased severity of PMS symptoms. The study suggests that the stress induced by worrying about climate change can exacerbate premenstrual symptoms, highlighting a modern psychosomatic stressor.

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The finding1 of 3

Digital and hybrid psychological interventions reduced depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology

Psychological interventions to improve maternal mental health and resilience during pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

  • Resilience
  • Mindfulness

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted routine mental health care, leaving many pregnant women to face increased psychological distress without adequate support. This systematic review evaluates various psychological interventions aimed at improving mental health and resilience among pregnant women during this challenging time. Interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and psychoeducation were adapted for digital and hybrid formats to maintain accessibility during the pandemic.

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Read by what you need today

Hope

Stories that widen the sense of what's possible.

Resilience

People and communities bending without breaking.

Gratitude

Noticing and naming the good that's already here.

Connection

The quiet, durable work of belonging to one another.

Courage

Acting well in the presence of fear or cost.

Kindness

Everyday generosity that compounds.

Creativity

New answers to old problems.

Growth

Learning, healing, and becoming more whole.